Hey, before you write off prunes as something old folks take for digestive irregularity, listen up. There's brand new science showing that prunes (aka dried plums) are a simple and effective way to help prevent osteoporosis and fractures.Who knew?Scientists believe that the prunes decrease bone breakdown and this is especially important for women who are just now entering menopause. Over the course of the first 5-7 years post menopause, bone loss can occur at a rate of 3-5% per year. And guys, this is your issue too. Although 8 million women per year will be diagnosed with osteoporosis, 2 million men are found to be losing significant enough bone to carry the diagnosis. It turns out prunes are also emerging as a heart healthy fruit. What we already knew is that prunes reduce LDL and the fruit's pectin fiber is associated with reductions in cholesterol. Some even refer to prunes as a super-food due to its nutrient rich composition, including Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, magnesium and copper. The new news comes from a recent animal study in which mice highly prone to atherosclerosis had a significant reduction in their plaque development with prune powder. How much should you consume? If you want to try it out for yourself, a simple thing to do is to take one prune along with each meal. Then, as tolerated, increase to 5-6 per day. 5 prunes are about 100 calories, so this is a good incentive to stay active and use this glucose fuel as you lift weights to strengthen your bones and keep you heart healthy as well. Dr Peeke

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8 Replies |Report This| Share this:Pop A Prune to Perk Up Your Heart and BonesHey, before you write off prunes as something old folks take for digestive irregularity, listen up. There's brand new science showing that prunes (aka dried plums) are a simple and effective way to help prevent osteoporosis and fractures.Who knew?Scientists believe that the prunes decrease bone breakdown and this is especially important for women who are just now entering menopause. Over the course of the first 5-7 years post menopause, bone loss can occur at a rate of 3-5% per year. And guys, this is your issue too. Although 8 million women per year will be diagnosed with osteoporosis, 2 million men are found to be losing significant enough bone to carry the diagnosis. It turns out prunes are also emerging as a heart healthy fruit. What we already knew is that prunes reduce LDL and the fruit's pectin fiber is associated with reductions in cholesterol. Some even refer to prunes as a super-food due to its nutrient rich composition, including Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, magnesium and copper. The new news comes from a recent animal study in which mice highly prone to atherosclerosis had a significant reduction in their plaque development with prune powder. How much should you consume? If you want to try it out for yourself, a simple thing to do is to take one prune along with each meal. Then, as tolerated, increase to 5-6 per day. 5 prunes are about 100 calories, so this is a good incentive to stay active and use this glucose fuel as you lift weights to strengthen your bones and keep you heart healthy as well. Dr Peeke

Hi Dr Peeke and Haylen I bought some dried plums last week at costco and they are marketed as dried plums... I only bought them as go to snack incase I had the munchies thought maybe 1 would satisfy me . It is good to know 5 or 6 is not that many calories and they are full of nutrition.. I also like fresh plums is the nutrition different ? Hugs Judy:)

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Report This| Share this:Pop A Prune to Perk Up Your Heart and BonesHi Dr Peeke and Haylen I bought some dried plums last week at costco and they are marketed as dried plums... I only bought them as go to snack incase I had the munchies thought maybe 1 would satisfy me . It is good to know 5 or 6 is not that many calories and they are full of nutrition.. I also like fresh plums is the nutrition different ? Hugs Judy:)

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